Communications Degree

A communications degree provides a wide spectrum of training which allows students to excel in multiple fields like journalism, public relations, organizational communication and conflict management, etc. This degree helps students develop their writing and communications skills and allows them to get familiar with different telecommunications software.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Media and Communications Occupations are projected to grow by 4% in the years from 2018 and 2028, which is going to add 27,600 new jobs.

What Are Communication Studies?

Communication studies is an academic discipline which assesses the process of human communication including both, non-verbal and verbal messages. This degree examines how people generate meaning in different public, private, interpersonal and mass communication settings. It is a field of academia which connects multiple disciplines such as, intercultural communication, health communication, mass communication, political communication, scientific communication, gender studies and communication and rhetorical theory.

These are some of the degree options that come under the umbrella of communication studies:

• Associate’s degree in Communications
• Bachelor’s degree in Communication
• Master’s degree in Communication

What Can You Do with a Communications Degree?

A communications degree allows students to learn different skills and techniques which help them in their work life. Having a communications degree is highly regarded in different fields like marketing, public relations, business, journalism, international relations, television and many more. Students can choose any field according to their own interest. Additionally, these students can also choose to work in academia. These are some of the career options available for people having a degree in communication studies.

Public Relation Specialists

Public Relation Specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining a likeable image of the organization they work for. They prepare press releases and shape the opinion of the media and the masses about the work done by their organization. They are responsible for handling all the communication on behalf on the organization.

Writers and Authors

These professionals develop content for different types of media including blogs, books, magazines, plays, movies and television scripts. They have to establish and maintain their credibility with readers and editors through accurate research and clean prose.

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Market research analysts are responsible for studying the market conditions so they can predict the potential sales of a service or product. They gather data to help a firm market its products and increase its sales.

What to Expect from a Communications Degree?

This degree focuses on developing communication, analytical and research skills. Communication studies is offered as a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program. Those who want to pursue high level education in the same field opt for a master’s degree program. Students who enroll in a master’s degree program have to choose an area of specialization like, public relations. This discipline basically includes topics like oral and written communication, interpretation, rhetoric, public disclosure, photojournalism, crisis response, etc.

How to Choose a Communications Degree?

Consider the following options while choosing a communication degree:

• Choose an accredited program
• Consider the cost and length of the program
• Consider the location of the program
• Check if there are any scholarships available

Communications Degree Admission Requirements

Each degree program has different admission requirements like a bachelor’s degree requires a high school diploma, while a master’s degree requires an undergraduate program, a good GRE score and work experience.